News & Events

Snow Removal Guide

Snow Conditions

SNOW PLOWING

Our crews plow each street twice and usually more during a large storm. Our main goal is to ensure that City streets are cleared of snow in order to allow Fire, Paramedic, Sheriff and Utility response vehicles access. Please be patient during snow removal, as our crews are working as quickly as they can during inclement weather. Usually the streets are plowed straight through in the early morning leaving a berm along side of every driveway. Several hours after snow fall has ceased, the berm is reduced by a separate contractor with a specialized vehicle and snow blade.

BERM REDUCTION

In order for residents to receive berm reduction service, driveway openings must be clearly marked with brightly painted orange snow poles (3/4” in diameter). Berm reduction begins only after all streets are cleared and passable and snow fall has ceased. When 3-10 inches of snow has fallen, you can expect a berm reduction. As well as when 10-16 inches of snow has fallen, you can expect a berm reduction. However in very severe weather conditions (16”+ inches), this service may not be provided until 24-72 hours after the snow fall has ceased.

DRIVEWAY SHOVELING

If possible, wait until the second snow plow passing to start shoveling your driveway. It is recommended to shovel snow to the right side of the driveway (facing the street).

GARBAGE CANS

Place garbage cans behind the property line & berm when setting out for pick-up. When garbage cans are left too close to the roadway, snowplows may have to go around them leaving some areas unplowed.

PROPERTY IMPROVEMENTS NEAR ROADWAYS

Sprinkler systems, block walls and expensive shrubs are not visible as the snow gets deeper. Snow removal crews cannot always see these obstacles near the roadway. Snow plowing usually occurs before daylight. To help our crews, mark fences and obstacles with 6’ x 2” x 2” stakes, painted red at the top.

REGULATIONS, FINES AND CITATIONS

The City of Big Bear Lake’s Code states that any vehicle interfering with snow removal operations may be towed and subjected to a fine of $150, plus any additional applicable fines for any towing and impound charges and illegal street parking fees. Every effort will be made to avoid towing, but in the event the vehicle needs to be towed, for example when dangerously parked, towing shall be enforced.

ADDITIONAL ASSISTANCE

When snow conditions are in effect, free overnight parking is available at two City parking lots located at 39707 Big Bear Blvd., known as the West Civic Center Parking Lot, and at the Alden Parking Lot located at 547 Alden Road, east of Sandy’s Sports Bar.

IF PROPERTY DAMAGE OCCURS

If your property is damaged during snow removal or cinder spreading operations, it will be in your best interest to obtain the date of occurrence, time and exact location, vehicle description, driver’s name (if possible) and pictures of the damage.

Claim forms can be found on the City Clerk page of the City’s website at www.citybigbearlake.com. Be sure to include copies of written estimates of damage and photographs, if possible. Mail to the City Clerk’s Office at P.O. Box 10000, Big Bear Lake, CA 92315.

DECLARATION OF SNOW CONDITIONS

Municipal Code Section 10.12.040

Snow conditions may be declared by the City Manager or his appointee whenever there is one inch of snow or ice on any part of the paved portion of any street, and a buildup of snow or ice is expected to continue to a point where the snow level will exceed six inches. Snow conditions exist and the provisions of this chapter shall apply and shall remain in effect until the City Manager or his appointee declares a cessation of snow conditions. Whenever possible, the City Manager or his appointee shall give notice of such snow conditions by press, radio or television, which news media shall be requested to cooperate with city officials in the giving of such notice. (Ordinance 96-274 (part), 1996; Ordinance 93-237 § 1 (part), 1993)